Coaler support, filter system, and method of use

Abstract

The present application discloses a support for a coalescer filter element, the support comprising a first end and a second end and a fluid flow rod having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end; and a filtration system, the filtration system comprising a coalescer filtration element disposed on the support; and a method of removing undesired contaminants and / or fluids from a gas using the filtration system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to coalescer supports, filtration systems, and methods of use. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some systems for decarbonizing industrial efforts use anodes, cathodes, and liquid electrolyte solutions (including water and, for example, potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions) to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases, which can then be released (as in the case of oxygen), stored or liquefied, and, in the case of hydrogen, used to power equipment. These gases often contain undesirable contaminants and / or fluids, such as residual KOH or NaOH, which must be removed from the gases before further processing or use.

[0003] There is a need for improved apparatuses and systems for removing undesirable contaminants or fluids and / or recovering desirable components from gases before further processing and / or use of the gases. The present application alleviates at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art. These and other advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following description. SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the present invention provides a support for a coalescer filter element comprising: (a) a first end comprising a first end piece having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the first end having a first end annular channel having a first channel sidewall and a second channel sidewall connected to the inner surface, and the first end having at least three fluid channel openings through the outer surface and the inner surface; (b) a second end comprising a second end piece having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the second end having a second end annular channel having a first channel sidewall and a second channel sidewall connected to the inner surface of the second end piece, and the second end comprising a hollow fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a sidewall having at least two openings through the sidewall, the outlet end extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second end piece; and wherein the first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow stem having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end, the fluid flow stem and the at least three fluid channels having a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end, each of the at least three fluid channels having a first solid sidewall and a second solid sidewall, each of the first solid sidewall and the second solid sidewall having an inner side and an outer side, the inner side of the first solid sidewall connected to the inner side of the second solid sidewall, and the outer side of the first solid sidewall being distal from the outer side of the second solid sidewall, wherein each of the at least three fluid channels is in communication with a respective fluid channel opening at the first end; and wherein the hollow fitting and the at least two openings are in communication with the at least three fluid channels at the second end.

[0005] In another aspect, a filtration system is provided comprising: a support for a coalescer filter element according to one aspect; and a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element disposed on the support such that the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, and one end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the first end annular channel and another end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the second end annular channel.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a coalescer assembly is provided that includes a housing having an outlet and an inlet, the outlet and inlet defining a fluid flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and the coalescer assembly including a filter system according to one aspect spanning the fluid flow path. In some aspects, the coalescer assembly includes two or more filter systems in the housing spanning the fluid flow path.

[0007] In another aspect, a method for removing an undesirable contaminant and / or fluid from a gas is provided, the method including passing the gas through a filter system according to one aspect, and separating the gas from the undesirable contaminant and / or fluid. In preferred aspects, the method includes separating hydrogen gas from KOH droplets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a support for a coalescer filter element according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support including an end piece first end and second end, a fluid flow stem having a fluid passage, and a hollow fitting, and Figure 1B is a diagram illustrating a support for a coalescer filter element as Figure 1A shown assembled.

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a filter system including Figure 1A a support for a coalescer filter element as shown and a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element configured to be disposed on the support. The diagram also shows that the filter system further includes a fluid receiving vessel in fluid communication with the hollow fitting of the support for a coalescer filter element.

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a fluid flow stem of a support as Figure 1A shown.

[0011] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are diagrams illustrating a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of a first end piece of a support as Figure 1A shown, also showing an outer surface and an inner surface, respectively, of the first end piece.

[0012] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are diagrams illustrating a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a hollow fitting of a support as Figure 1A shown.

[0013] Figure 6A and Figure 6B are diagrams illustrating a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a hollow fitting of a support as Figure 1AThe bottom and top view illustrations of the second end piece of the support shown, also show the inner and outer surfaces of the second end piece, respectively.

[0014] Figure 7A and Figure 7B are illustrations of the assembled filter system shown, respectively. Figure 2 are illustrations of a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the assembled filter system shown, wherein the system further comprises a fluid receiving vessel in fluid communication with the hollow fitting of the support for the coalescer filter element. Figure 7C are illustrations of a perspective view of a portion of the filter system shown, without the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element. Figure 7A are illustrations of a perspective view of a portion of the filter system shown, without the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element.

[0015] Figure 8 are illustrations of gas and liquid flow through Figure 7A and Figure 7B are illustrations of the filter system shown.

[0016] Figure 9A and Figure 9B are illustrations of a coalescer assembly comprising one or more filter systems shown in FIG. 7, according to an aspect of the present application, wherein Figure 9A a coalescer assembly configured to receive a single filter system is shown, and Figure 9B a coalescer assembly configured to receive multiple filter systems is shown.

[0017] Figure 10A and Figure 10B are illustrations of a dual (first and second) filter plate used in a coalescer assembly configured to receive multiple filter systems, according to another aspect of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a support for a coalescer filter element comprising: (a) a first end comprising a first end piece having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the first end having a first end annular channel having a first channel sidewall and a second channel sidewall connected to the inner surface, and the first end having at least three fluid channel openings through the outer surface and the inner surface; (b) a second end comprising a second end piece having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the second end having a second end annular channel having a first channel sidewall and a second channel sidewall connected to the inner surface of the second end piece, and the second end comprising a hollow fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a sidewall having at least two openings through the sidewall, the outlet end extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second end piece; and wherein the first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow stem having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end, the fluid flow stem and the at least three fluid channels having a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end, each of the at least three fluid channels having a first solid sidewall and a second solid sidewall, each of the first solid sidewall and the second solid sidewall having an inner side and an outer side, the inner side of the first solid sidewall connected to the inner side of the second solid sidewall, and the outer side of the first solid sidewall being distal from the outer side of the second solid sidewall, wherein each of the at least three fluid channels is in communication with a respective fluid channel opening at the first end; and wherein the hollow fitting and the at least two openings are in communication with the at least three fluid channels at the second end.

[0019] In some aspects of the support, the hollow fitting has a threaded outer surface.

[0020] In another aspect, there is provided a filtration system comprising: a support for a coalescer filter element according to one aspect; and a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element arranged on the support such that the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, and one end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the first end annular channel and the other end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the second end annular channel.

[0021] In preferred aspects, the filter system further comprises a fluid receiving vessel arranged at the outlet end of the hollow fitting and in communication with the hollow fitting. In some aspects, a fluid receiving tube is interposed between the outlet end of the hollow fitting and the fluid receiving vessel, preferably wherein the fluid receiving tube comprises a first tube end having a threaded outer surface, and the filter system comprises at least one, preferably two, threaded nuts for connecting the threaded hollow fitting to the threaded fluid receiving tube.

[0022] In another aspect, a method for removing an undesirable contaminant and / or fluid from a gas is provided, the method comprising passing the gas through a filter system according to one aspect, and separating the gas from the undesirable contaminant and / or fluid. In preferred aspects, the method comprises separating hydrogen and / or oxygen from KOH solution or water droplets.

[0023] In another aspect, a coalescer assembly is provided, comprising a housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet and defining a fluid flow path from the housing inlet to the housing outlet, the housing having at least one filter system therein spanning the fluid flow path.

[0024] In one aspect, a coalescer assembly comprising a housing having a housing outlet and a housing inlet, the housing inlet and the housing outlet defining a fluid flow path from the housing inlet to the housing outlet, and the coalescer assembly comprising at least one filtration system located in the housing, the filtration system comprising: a support for a coalescer filter element comprising: (a) a first end comprising a first end component having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the first end having a first end annular channel having a first channel sidewall connected to the inner surface and a second channel sidewall, and the first end having at least three fluid channel openings through the outer surface and the inner surface; (b) a second end comprising a second end component having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the second end having a second end annular channel having a first channel sidewall connected to the inner surface of the second end component and a second channel sidewall, and the second end comprising a hollow fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a sidewall having at least two openings through the sidewall, the outlet end extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second end component; and wherein the first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow stem having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end, the fluid flow stem and the at least three fluid channels having a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end, each of the at least three fluid channels having a first solid sidewall and a second solid sidewall, each of the first solid sidewall and the second solid sidewall having an inner side and an outer side, the inner side of the first solid sidewall connected to the inner side of the second solid sidewall, and the outer side of the first solid sidewall being distal from the outer side of the second solid sidewall, wherein each of the at least three fluid channels is in communication with a respective fluid channel opening at the first end; and wherein the hollow fitting and the at least two openings are in communication with the at least three fluid channels at the second end; the at least one filtration system further comprising: a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element disposed on the support such that the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, and one end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the first end annular channel and another end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the second end annular channel; and a fluid receiving vessel disposed at the outlet end of the hollow fitting and in communication with the hollow fitting; wherein the at least one filtration system spans the fluid flow path.

[0025] In some aspects, the coalescer assembly includes two or more filter systems in the housing spanning the fluid flow path.

[0026] Aspects of the coalescer assembly include a filter plate holding at least one filter system according to one aspect in the housing, some aspects include a first filter plate and a second filter plate holding the at least one filter system according to one aspect in the housing (some aspects hold two or more filter systems).

[0027] Advantageously, aspects of the present invention are effective at removing undesirable contaminants and / or fluids, such as KOH or NaOH, from electrolyte fluids at low differential pressures. Other advantages include the ability to use smaller filter elements than are typically used for these applications, providing a smaller footprint, and the ability to be retrofitted or installed into existing systems that require larger size filter elements.

[0028] Each component of the present invention will now be described in greater detail below, with like components having like reference numerals.

[0029] Reference is made to Figure 1A , 1B , 2, 7B, and 7C, the support 500 for the coalescer filter element shown includes:

[0030] (a) a first end portion 100 including a first end portion component 101 having an outer surface 101 A and an inner surface 101 B, and having a first end portion annular channel 102 having a first channel sidewall 102A and a second channel sidewall 102B connected to the inner surface, and having a central opening 107 through the outer surface and the inner surface; the central opening providing at least three fluid passage openings 103, 104, 105 through the outer surface and the inner surface (caused by the insertion of the fluid flow stem 300; see Figure 1B , 2 , 7A, 7B, also showing a fourth fluid passage opening 106);

[0031] (b) a second end 200 comprising a second end component 201 having an outer surface 201 A and an inner surface 201 B with a central opening 207 therethrough and having a second end annular channel 202 with a first channel sidewall 202A and a second channel sidewall 202B connected to the inner surface, the second end component comprising a hollow fitting 210 through the central opening 207 having an inlet end 211, an outlet end 212 and a sidewall 215 having at least two openings 215A, 215B therethrough, the outlet end extending outwardly from the outer surface; wherein the first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow stem 300 having a first end 301, a second end 302 comprising a central slot 310 and notches 312 (shown as 312A, 312B, 312C; see Figure 3 If present, the notches can allow liquid flow to continue out of the support in the event one or more of the hollow fitting openings are blocked and at least three arms 351, 352, 353 providing at least three fluid channels 303, 304, 305 extending from the first end 100, 301 to the second end 200, 302 Figure 1A and Figure 3Aspects of the illustrated fluid flow stem 300 show a fourth arm 354, a fourth fluid passage 306, and a fourth notch 312D), the fluid flow stem, the illustrated arm, and the illustrated fluid passage having a longitudinal axis from the first end 301 to the second end 302, each of the illustrated fluid passages having a first solid sidewall and a second solid sidewall (303A, 303B; 304A, 304B; 305A, 305B; 306A, 306B), each of the first and second solid sidewalls having an inner side and an outer side (313A, 313A'; 313B, 313B'; 314A, 314A'; 314B, 314B'; 315A, 315A'; 315B, 315B'; 316A, 316A'; 316B, 316B'), the inner side of the first solid sidewall being connected to the inner side of the second solid sidewall (shown as being connected (e.g., welded together) at 323 (313A connected to 313B), 324 (314A connected to 314B), 325 (315A connected to 315B), 326 (316A connected to 316B)), and the outer side of the first solid sidewall being distal from the outer side of the second solid sidewall (e.g., 313A' distal from 313B'; space shown as 333, 334, 335, 336; also shown are passages forming generally "V" shaped fluid passages), each of the illustrated four arms providing a solid sidewall for one fluid passage on one face, and a solid sidewall for a different fluid passage on the other face (e.g., with reference to Figure 3 arm 352 providing solid wall 303B for fluid passage 303 on one face, and solid wall 306A for fluid passage 306 on the other face), wherein each of the illustrated fluid passages is in communication with a respective fluid passage opening at the first end (303 in communication with 103; 304 in communication with 104; 305 in communication with 105; and 306 in communication with 106), respectively; and wherein the hollow fitting 210 and the at least two openings (215A, 215B, third and fourth additional openings 215C and 215D also shown in Figure 5B

[0032] Use of the at least two openings 215A, 215B (and at least one of 215C and 215D) is desirable to allow liquid to drain from the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element into the fluid receiving vessel 700.

[0033] Generally, as Figure 7B ​As shown, a seal such as a knife edge seal 103C, 203C is disposed in the annular channel 102, 202 for contacting and sealing against an end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element.

[0034] In some aspects, as Figure 7B As shown, the outer sidewall 108 of the first end piece 101 includes a groove 109 that receives an elastomeric annular member 115 (e.g., an O-ring) that can reduce or prevent bypass between the first end 100 and a filter plate, e.g., filter plate 2015 or first filter plate 2015A used in a coalescer assembly (see, e.g., Figure 9A 、 9B ).

[0035] In these illustrated aspects, the hollow fitting 210 has a threaded outer surface 216, where the illustrated aspects have two sets of threads (see Figure 5A and 5B ).

[0036] In general, the first end piece 101 (shown with a flange) can be sandwiched between filter plates, or alternatively, can include two or more slots for retainers such as screws or pins (not shown), e.g., for connection with a coalescer assembly housing (see, e.g., Figure 1A 、 1B , 9A, 9B, and 10A, 10B).

[0037] Referring to the example aspects shown in Figure 2 、 7A , 7B, and 8, the illustrated filtration system 1000 includes a support 500 for a coalescer filter element according to one aspect as discussed with respect to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 7C, and a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element 600 disposed on the support such that the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, and one end 601 of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the first end annular channel 102 and the other end 602 of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the second end annular channel 202.

[0038] In a preferred aspect, the filtration system further comprises a fluid receiving vessel 700 (shown as a pipe with a closed end) disposed at the outlet end of the hollow fitting and in fluid communication with the hollow fitting. If desired, the fluid receiving vessel can act as a "liquid lock". In some aspects, a fluid receiving tube 701 is interposed between the outlet end 212 of the hollow fitting and the fluid receiving vessel 700, preferably wherein the fluid receiving tube comprises a first tube end 701 having a threaded outer surface 716, and the filtration system comprises at least one threaded nut 705, preferably two threaded nuts 705A, 705B, for connecting the threaded hollow fitting to the threaded fluid receiving tube. In some aspects, the fluid receiving tube is attached to the fluid receiving vessel by a retainer such as a pin or screw 726 through a through hole 715.

[0039] In some aspects, the fluid receiving vessel acts as a "liquid lock" by pre-charging / pre-loading the liquid receiving vessel with liquid (e.g. water, see Figure 8 ) prior to startup to prevent gas from entering the bottom of the liquid lock and traveling up the inner tube to bypass the coalescer filter element 600.

[0040] After pre-loading, the system is then operated to pass a gas containing liquid through the system. The liquid that is expelled from the filtration coalescer element 600 collects in the second end piece 201. The liquid is then expelled through the openings (215A, 215B, 215C, 215D), down the first tube 701, and collects in the fluid receiving vessel 700. As the water collects in the liquid lock (which already contains the pre-loaded liquid), the water overflows from the top as Figure 8 shown. The liquid drains down into the bottom of the housing (see, e.g., sump 2020 in Figure 9B for receiving the overflow).

[0041] Referring to the aspects shown in Figure 8 , a method for removing undesired contaminants and / or fluids from a gas (shown as "green" hydrogen gas (obtained by water electrolysis)) comprises passing a gas containing liquid (shown as droplets of KOH) through a filtration system according to an aspect, and separating clean gas (shown as green hydrogen gas) that passes up the fluid passage openings of the first end from the undesired contaminants and / or fluids (shown as droplets of KOH that coalesce along the fluid flow stem and drain down, through the hollow fitting and fluid receiving tube, into the fluid receiving vessel).

[0042] In another aspect, a coalescer assembly is provided comprising a housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet and defining a fluid flow path from the housing inlet to the housing outlet, the housing having at least one filtration system therein spanning the fluid flow path.

[0043] Figure 9A and 9B are diagrams showing coalescer assemblies 2000 spanning a fluid flow path, according to aspects of the present application, including a housing 2050 having an outlet 2001 and an inlet 2002 defining a fluid flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and including Figure 7A one or more filter systems 1000 as shown, wherein Figure 9A a coalescer assembly 2000 is shown configured to receive a single filter system 1000, and Figure 9B a coalescer assembly is shown configured to receive multiple filter systems 1000 (shown as 1000A and 1000B). In these illustrated embodiments, each assembly includes a filter plate 2015 that holds the systems in the housing.

[0044] Referring to Figure 9B , 10A and 10B, in aspects of the coalescer assembly configured to receive multiple filter systems, a first filter plate 2015A and a second filter plate 2015B can be used to hold the filter systems 1000A, 1000B (and additional filter systems) in the housing 2050, for example, by "sandwiching" the first end portion 100 between the first and second plates. Illustratively, in aspects shown in Figure 10A and 10B the first end plate 2015A is shown having a through hole 2016A for receiving the end 601 of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element 600, and the second end plate 2015B is shown having a through hole 2016B and including an inner surface having a recess 2017B for receiving the first end portion 101, wherein the plates 2015A and 2015B are configured to secure the first end portion 100 in the housing 2050.

[0045] According to aspects of the present application, a variety of filter elements that function as coalescers can be used, as well as filters that include these filter elements. Suitable filter elements include, for example, those configured as coreless hollow cylindrical depth filter elements.

[0046] The filter and / or filter elements can include additional elements, layers or components that can have different structures and / or functions, such as at least one of any one or more of: pre-filtration, support, drainage, spacing and cushioning. Illustratively, the filter can also include at least one additional element, such as a mesh and / or screen.

[0047] The coalescer assembly housing can be made of any suitable rigid, non-permeable material, including any impermeable thermoplastic material that is compatible with the fluid to be treated. For example, the housing can be made of a metal, such as stainless steel, or of a polymer.

[0048] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0049] The use of the terms "a" and "the" and "at least one" and similar referents in the context of describing the application (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more items (for example, "at least one of A and B") is to be construed to mean one item from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated in the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the application.

[0050] Preferred aspects of the application are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for practicing the application. Variations of those preferred aspects will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the application to embrace all such modifications and equivalents. Accordingly, the application includes all modifications and equivalents that can come within the scope of the claims appended hereto, as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the application unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise evident to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A support for a coalescer filter element comprising: (a) a first end comprising a first end piece having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the first end having a first end annular channel having a first channel sidewall and a second channel sidewall connected to the inner surface, and the first end having at least three fluid channel openings through the outer surface and the inner surface; (b) a second end comprising a second end piece having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the second end having a second end annular channel having a first channel sidewall and a second channel sidewall connected to the inner surface of the second end piece, and the second end comprising a hollow fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a sidewall having at least two openings through the sidewall, the outlet end extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second end piece; and wherein the first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow stem having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end, the fluid flow stem and the at least three fluid channels having a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end, each of the at least three fluid channels having a first solid sidewall and a second solid sidewall, each of the first solid sidewall and the second solid sidewall having an inner side and an outer side, the inner side of the first solid sidewall connected to the inner side of the second solid sidewall, and the outer side of the first solid sidewall being distal from the outer side of the second solid sidewall, wherein each of the at least three fluid channels is in communication with a respective fluid channel opening at the first end; and wherein the hollow fitting and the at least two openings are in communication with the at least three fluid channels at the second end.

2. The support of claim 1, wherein the hollow fitting has a threaded outer surface.

3. A filtration system comprising: a support for a coalescer filter element according to claim 1 or 2, and a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element disposed on the support such that the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, and one end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the first end annular channel and the other end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the second end annular channel.

4. The filtration system of claim 3, further comprising a fluid receiving vessel disposed at the outlet end of the hollow fitting and in communication with the hollow fitting.

5. A method for removing an undesirable contaminant and / or fluid from a gas, the method comprising passing a gas through a filtration system according to claim 3 or 4, and separating the gas from the undesirable contaminant and / or fluid.

6. The method of claim 5, comprising separating hydrogen gas from the droplets of KOH.

7. A coalescer assembly comprising a housing having a housing outlet and a housing inlet, the housing inlet and the housing outlet defining a fluid flow path from the housing inlet to the housing outlet, and the coalescer assembly comprising at least one filtration system located in the housing, the filtration system comprising: a support for a coalescer filtration element comprising: (a) a first end comprising a first end component having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the first end having a first end annular channel having a first channel sidewall and a second channel sidewall connected to the inner surface, and the first end having at least three fluid channel openings through the outer surface and the inner surface; (b) a second end comprising a second end component having an outer surface and an inner surface, and the second end having a second end annular channel having a first channel sidewall and a second channel sidewall connected to the inner surface of the second end component, and the second end comprising a hollow fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a sidewall having at least two openings through the sidewall, the outlet end extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second end component; and wherein the first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow stem having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end, the fluid flow stem and the at least three fluid channels having a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end, each of the at least three fluid channels having a first solid sidewall and a second solid sidewall, each of the first solid sidewall and the second solid sidewall having an inner side and an outer side, the inner side of the first solid sidewall connected to the inner side of the second solid sidewall, and the outer side of the first solid sidewall being distal from the outer side of the second solid sidewall, wherein each of the at least three fluid channels is in communication with a respective fluid channel opening at the first end; and wherein the hollow fitting and the at least two openings are in communication with the at least three fluid channels at the second end; the at least one filtration system further comprising: a hollow cylindrical coalescer filtration element disposed on the support such that the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filtration element, and one end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filtration element is received in the first end annular channel and the other end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filtration element is received in the second end annular channel; and a fluid receiving vessel disposed at the outlet end of the hollow fitting and in communication with the hollow fitting; wherein the at least one filtration system spans the fluid flow path.

8. The coalescer assembly of claim 7, comprising a first filter plate and a second filter plate, the first filter plate and the second filter plate holding the at least one filtration system in the housing.

9. The coalescer assembly of claim 8, wherein the first filter plate and the second filter plate hold at least two filtration systems in the housing.

Images